News & Events

From fire tankers and drones to virtual forest tours and prize giveaways — ForestLearning’s Industry Education Champions were out in full force this term, inspiring thousands of students across regional Australia to explore future-focused careers in forestry and timber.

Through major career expos and regional field days, ForestLearning partnered with Forestry Corporation NSW, Hurford Timber, and other FWPA members to showcase sustainable forestry in action — and the many career pathways it offers.

Coffs Coast Career Connections Expo – 1,500+ Students Engaged

At the Coffs Coast Career Connections Expo, more than 1,200 students from Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Dorrigo, Kempsey, and Grafton explored the breadth of career opportunities available in the forestry industry.

Led by Forestry Corporation NSW, the exhibit featured:

• A full-size modern fire tanker beside a vintage Chevrolet fire truck – students loved the striking contrast of eras
• Tools of the trade – drones, radios, mapping iPads, ecology field kits
• A diverse team representing roles in planning, operations, ecology, cultural heritage, finance, and more
• An interactive ForestVR™ station supported by ForestLearning
• Custom social media photo frames and a Treetops Adventure prize draw to boost engagement

“The VR headsets were a hit — giving students the chance to experience forests, harvesting, timber processing, and sustainability in a way they’ve never seen before,” said Tamara Ransom, FCNSW.

This dynamic careers showcase gave students the opportunity to see that that forestry has evolved beyond boots and bulldozers — now it’s a field increasingly powered by data, science, sustainability, and innovation.

PRIMEX Field Days – Northern Rivers Students Discover Sustainable Forestry

At PRIMEX, one of Australia’s largest agricultural field days, ForestLearning partnered with FWPA members to reach local schools and families with immersive forest education.

ForestVR™ headsets drew consistent attention from students and teachers, offering a window into:

• The 30-year spotted gum plantation forest cycle from nursery to harvesting and milling
• Sustainable harvesting and forest regeneration
• Career stories from environmental foresters, cadets, and GIS specialists

ForestVR™ was complemented by interactive collateral and curriculum-aligned handouts that students and teachers could take back to the classroom to extend their learning.

FarmFest – Hurford Stand Showcases Timber, Careers and Timber Innovation

At Toowoomba FarmFest, Hurford Timber featured ForestVR™ at their stand to help young people and their families see forestry as a high-tech, sustainable industry with a wide range of opportunities.

Students and the public explored how drones, mapping, satellite imagery, and modern harvesting techniques are changing how forests are grown and managed — all while reinforcing themes in agriculture, geography, science, and sustainability.

“ForestVR allows my students to just see forest management and timber processing. You can talk all you like but to see it — that’s what students need.”

— Design & Technologies Teacher, DATTA Qld Conference

Why It Matters

Across these regional events, ForestVR™ headset loan kits and teacher packs enabled Industry Champions to:

• Bust myths about deforestation and sustainability
• Showcase timber as a renewable resource and its climate benefits storing carbon
• Highlight real careers in science, technology, design, ecology, and operations
• Offer an immersive, hands-on experience for students — many of whom had never considered forestry as a pathway before

This past financial year ForestLearning supported:

• 14 community events and expos
• Reaching potentially more than 265,000 attendees

Want to Inspire Students at Your Event?

ForestLearning offers:

• Free ForestVR™ headset kits for schools and FWPA member events
• Teacher packs, resource booklets, and VR apps for classroom or event use
• Industry Champion visits (in person or virtual) to connect students with real professionals

Email us to request a kit or get involved: info@forestlearning.edu.au

Explore ForestVR™ and resource library